The Hague – Netherlands ranks in 3rd as the largest city in the country.
It is the capital of the Province of South Holland. It is an ideal getaway for those looking for a more laid-back kind of holiday in the country, as opposed to Amsterdam’s livelier and more crowded streets.
Location
The Hague – Netherlands is within the Province of South Holland, in the western regions of the country.
Getting There
Flying in to The Hague – Netherlands is via the airport in Rotterdam. This is the closest airport to the city, approximately thirty miles off. You can also fly in via the airport in Amsterdam, which is roughly about sixty miles off The Hague.
From Rotterdam or Amsterdam, you can take a train going to the railway depot in The Hague.
You can also take your own car rental service from any of these airports. From Rotterdam, take A13 and then make an exit at A12. Drive straight through Utrechtsebaan and then make a left at Zuid-Hollandlaan.
From here, make another left at Koningskade. Drive straight through until you reach the city center of The Hague.
From Amsterdam, take A4 and then exit at A12. Follow same directions as above.
What to See and Do
Visiting The Hague – Netherlands, go to the city center first if you want to see the city’s beautiful historical and architectural masterpieces.
The Binnenhof was once a castle standing in the middle of a moat. Today, the moat is no longer in existence but the castle still stands in all its splendor. The castle now serves as the office of the Prime Minister as well as the office of the two branches of Parliament in the country.
Enclosed in a courtyard, you can see various structures constructed between the 13th and 19th centuries. There are guided tours for visiting the Knight’s Hall.
Next to Binnenhof is the Square called Plein. This is where you will find a wide variety of restaurants and coffee shops as well as various historical buildings that now serve as government offices.
There are also museums, gardens and parks in the city that you can check out.
Brief History
The Hague – Netherlands is considered as the “judicial capital of the world.”
This is mainly due to the numerous international judicial courts located in the city such as the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Tribunal for then Yugoslavia.
Here is also where you can find over one hundred and fifty international organizations, embassies of different countries, and a variety of European conglomerates.
The Hague was established some time around the year 1230 when the Count of Holland, Floris IV bought a parcel of land for the construction of his hunting residence.
Incidentally, the city is where Queen Beatrix lives.
Cost
Entry to museums in The Hague – Netherlands range from 4 Euros up to 7.50 Euros per person.
For a good meal in one of the restaurants here, expect to pay around 30 to 35 Euros.
Mid-range accommodations on the other hand start at 89 Euros per room, per night.
Other Information
Exploring city on your own is generally safe as there are police surveillance cameras constantly monitoring the city. However, it is advised that you avoid Zuiderpark and Holland Spoor especially at night as streets gangs are known to hang around the area.
